My Son Bill, 2006, by Anonymous
From MemoryArchive
Who: Anonymous What: Dealing with a Drug Addicted, Alcholic Son When: 2006 Where: Florida
It was a long and frustrating ordeal with son Bill. Since April, I have been to court and attempting to get him help for drug and alcohol addiction. We did the Marchmen Act, then the Baker Act. He was in hiding and was never served. Broward County is obviously overwhelmed or simply terribly inefficient. Bill has some very good moments. But in a few seconds it can change to anger, horrid obscenities, accusations that are so pathetically untrue. It has been growing since February. He came into $60,000.00 and blew it in 4 months. Since that time I have been doing all I had in my power to get him help. This past week brother Buzz and wife came down to help. Charles lent me his home, in Lauderdale and I fed his cats, in and out. This gave me the time to focus on getting Bill into Broward re-hab. I realized that it was going to be a major effort and timing was very important. Now Billy has called me sobbing, begging, for help. But in a matter of a few hours, I am now a MF-er.
The first morning Buzz, Randy and I try to get Bill up and out starting at 7 am. He has many demands. Many excuses. But by 10 we were there, waiting with a room full of a cast of characters. We were told there was no room. It was 4 pm, and come back on Monday. I was informed to be there at 7:45 am, Monday. Now we had just moved Bill out of this abandoned house he was sleeping in. Dear Buzz slept there with him, what a saint. So Bill had nowhere to go. Bill and I ended up in a terrible fight while I was driving, he jumped out of moving car, I threw his bag at him and left him in some street. He was in a rage and I lost it. I went off to get gas. Went back to look for him for 2 hours. Gave up. Furious at the system, guilt ridden at tossing my son out with nowhere to go, I realize I did all I could. But you still love your little kid.
The next morning he called. He had a hotel room and needed another night, but had no money. He had $800.00 on Thursday night. He used $400 to get his gold chain out of hock on Friday am. So I went down and paid for one night. But I told him, he would be with me on Sunday night as we were going to be there on Monday by 7:30. He came to Charle’s house but made several attempts to leave. And I fought him. I look like a tattooed woman. Body is pretty sore, too. A bit too old for scrapping, I would say.
We got up at 6:45 am on 9/11, arrived at BARK, before the designated time only to be told, we were out of luck. That the list was full as many arrived at 5 am. So this is a combo, homeless shelter, free to come and go and a re-hab. I was devastated. I called my sister in law Renee in Tampa. She said bring him over here. Over 300 miles away. Quickly. We drive back to Charle’s to get the dog and my essentials. No shower, just out the door. Bill and dog in car, I go to potty and flush. It overflows and then quickly recedes. Then it comes back up , gurgling and pouring over. I mop up. I had just paid $130.00 to a cleaning service on Sunday as a birthday present and thank you to Charle’s for his home. And it was spotless. But now, to my horror. It is coming through the ceiling and the vents in the kitchen, downstairs. I tried my best to clean up. But it was still up in the ceiling when I had to leave. Washed the towels, and small rugs. Left a message for Tracy and a distressing call to Charles for his 68th birthday, and his Mom's 90th! It was terrible. He was very unhappy. I feel just awful.
Since my glasses do NOT work to drive at night I had to hurry as I had to get to back from Tampa south to Bradenton before dark. Mr. Oakie was exhausted from that drive. He is still asleep.
About 1 pm, Bill goes into a restaurant to order take out. I say I will walk the dog and get gas while you pick up your burger. I wait and wait. Go in. He is on his second beer. He is now taking some meds? He is changing.
By the time I reach Tampa it is pouring. We end up lost and he jumps out of car in a corporate park. I finally get someone to lead me in and Bill gets back in the car. Scenario would have not been the same without a cell phone, so God bless them. We arrive at 4. He is reluctant and terrified. Renee calmed him and we left. Mike and I agreed a few weeks ago that Eharmony.com flunked on us. So we agreed to split as soon as I can pack up. It was never a loving relationship. I took care of him and he housed and fed me well. We are amicable and have no regrets. I was thinking of going to Sarasota, but Tampa might be a good choice, if Bill is to be there for a while.
I know I can get a job in Lauderdale but too much unhappiness for me there now. It is still gorgeous but then there are many beautiful places to go. My CompleteYachtshop was all set up again and ready to roll. I have been too consumed, and on the run, to proceed as I have no one to help me. The site is great, but this is not a one woman job. So it is on a back burner for a bit. So that is where I am now. Still unsettled. If you have not heard from me, this could be the reason.
I will be pooch/house sitting in Palm Coast from the 22nd til the 10 of Oct. I will have a lot of time to look in that area, too. That is the end as of 10 am on Sept. 12.
Pray for Bill to overcome this and come back a better person. And thank all of you that have been so supportive. I could never have done this without your kindness. I know I was told many times to let him go. If I did not do the right thing, it is OK. I did what I felt I had to do.
